National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2001
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Ovarian cancer, the deadliest of the gynecologic cancers, is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. Experts predict that more than 23,000 cases will be diagnosed in 2001, with an estimated 13,900 women dying from the disease this year.

Ovarian cancer is very treatable when
detected early, but only 25 percent of ovarian cancer cases in the
United States are diagnosed in the early stages. The vast
majority of cases are not diagnosed until the cancer has spread beyond
the ovaries, often because symptoms are easily confused with other
diseases and because no reliable, easily administered screening tool
exists.

When the disease is diagnosed in advanced
stages, the chance of 5-year survival is only about 25
percent. Currently, 50 percent of women diagnosed with
ovarian cancer die from it within 5 years. Among
African-American women, only 48 percent survive 5 years or more.

Early detection of this disease remains
the best way to save women's lives. Symptoms may include
abdominal pressure or bloating, persistent digestive problems,
excessive fatigue, and sometimes abnormal bleeding. Women also should
be aware that risk factors are higher for those who are over 50 years
of age, who have a personal or family history of ovarian, breast, or
colon cancer, and who have not borne a child.

National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
serves as an important time to recognize Federally funded research
efforts by the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, and the Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer
Research Program. Their work has achieved great strides, and
my Administration is committed to continuing funding of research that
will decrease the high mortality from ovarian cancer and ultimately
prevent the disease. At the same time, the medical community
and nonprofit groups are working together to create more awareness
about the disease and spotlight the need for continued research into
prevention, early detection tools, advanced therapies, and possible
cures.

During this special observance, I commend
the scientists, physicians, and other medical and health professionals
who are working to advance knowledge and understanding of ovarian
cancer. I also encourage all Americans to learn more about the disease
and the importance of early detection. Doing so can save
lives and protect the health and well-being of countless women.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH,
President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do
hereby proclaim September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I
call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with
appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my
hand this thirtieth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-sixth.